Getting crafty

If you can't decide what to do for Oktoberfest, look no further. Experience the biggest local beer flight of your life at the Brewers Guild Fall Beer Festival at Eastern Market, the seventh annual event. With admission, you get 15 tokens worth 3 ounces of beer each to go beer crazy with. That is 45 ounces worth of craft beer.

A slew of local breweries from the city and across the state will be in attendance. Over 75 breweries and 700 beers will be on display for tasting. This includes middle state heavyweights like Shorts, Bells, and Founders as well as Detroit classics like Atwater Brewery and Motor City Brewing Works.

Atwater Brewery has been a staple of the riverfront since 1997, making its classic beers like Cherry Stout, Purple Gang Pilsner, and High Gravity Lager. Importing its 100 percent German "Kasper Schultz" brew house according to Atwater's website, it has an advantage in crafting German-type lagers made with German hops. One type of lager that will be likely featured will be the Bloktoberfest, a "rich amber" lager made in this fashion.

Another local brewery sure to make an appearance will be Motor City Brewing Works, the maker of the Ghettoblaster English mild ale. Opened in 1994, Motor City Brewing Works continues its 20-year tradition with its Motor City Oktoberfest beer for the fall fest, a "traditional Bavarian-style Marzen beer with a ruby color, smooth maltiness, and spicy hop character," according to Motor City Beer's website. Look for both to represent the Detroit brewing scene in force.

Local music and food will also accompany this event. Designated driver tickets will also be available for $5, so attendees can be safe on the roads post-festival. If you happen to be a Michigan Guild Brewers Enthusiast, you may enter the festival one hour prior to general admission with a valid membership card. Enjoy extra tasty brews at Eastern Market and support local Michigan businesses.